Medics Warn Over 'Smoking Loophole'

Top medical professionals have this week warned against any weakening of the tobacco display ban that they said could lead to loopholes being abused by the tobacco industry.

British Medical Association (BMA) representatives were responding to a consultation on draft regulations for the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act in which the BMA supported the government's strong stance against the display of tobacco products but called for tighter restrictions for specialist tobacconists and bulk tobacco and duty free shop displays.

They said that, in order to achieve a smokefree Scotland by 2035, BMA Scotland wants to see a robust approach to tobacco control which will reduce the number of teens who smoke.

Angus GP and Scottish member of the BMA's Board of Science, Dr Andrew Thomson said: "Given that around five million smokers worldwide die every year because of their addiction, tobacco companies wish to entice new customers all the time and they use sophisticated marketing techniques to promote their products.

"One of the most effective ways of recruiting new customers is to attract children and young people to take up smoking.

"The tobacco industry is known for its cynical and highly targeted marketing techniques, but maintaining strong regulations will help to protect children and prevent them from starting to smoke," he said.

"The Scottish Parliament has a proud record on dealing with the dangers of tobacco. Scotland's MSPs were first to consider a ban on tobacco advertising and first to support smoke-free legislation.

"In building on the successes of the past decade, and as part of a comprehensive tobacco strategy, these regulations will help us work towards a tobacco-free future.

"We need to break the tobacco trap. Young smokers will become tomorrow's parents who smoke and they will continue the cycle of smoking-related ill-health."

(BMcC/KMcA)